Shaken not Stirred

Well its not just Doris that’s been causing a stir this week, there’s been a fresh drop of oh so sumptuous Scotch & Soda in HQ. In contrast to the cruel mistress that had our hair plastered to our lippy, this seasonal shift is most definitely welcome…

A trip to WSd HQ is the perfect substitute to a holiday to the Bahamas thanks to this bomber jacket, which offers a touch of tropical paradise. The combination of leopard print sleeves and a botanical print body will transport you to the depths of an enchanted rainforest with every wear. Style a la Sarah and team with the Scotch & Soda white silky tee, Vero Moda biker seven pants (£44) and the Veja V10 Pekin Authentico kicks.

The magic garden vibe continues with this sheer floral shirt which will be the answer to your ‘jeans and a nice top’ dilemma. Don’t be put off by the slight opacity, just reduce the risqué factor and team with a Love Stories intimate bralette for a playfully printed piece that provides full coverage.

Scotch & Soda know how to do casual and the latest collection is a dream for laid-back weekend dressing. Take the French Tank Top that stands by its literal translation and goes with “absolutely” everything. The cotton racer back features the words ‘Tout a Tait” and offers the irresistibly classic combination of black and white stripes and a tantalising dash of red. A fabulous flat lay from our Maz proves how to take this versatile tank to the next level- simply team with the Love Stories Nash bra, your fave skinnies and the Moda in Pelle Chiara heels.

The pleated skirt is no longer a ‘trend’ but a firmly established sartorial savior. If you’ve been unsure about how to approach this brave new world of skirts then look no further than the gorgeous copper pleated midi from Scotch & Soda. Counteract the swish and shine of the metallic pleats with a cool sweat like the mini-artwork or basic sweater for a simple way to do ‘dressed up’ without being too much.

With such unpredictable weather, layering options are as crucial as ever. This printed dress is a worthy investment as it’s sure to take you through every season.  Team this silky number with a fine roll neck, opaques and Chelsea boots now for a spring look with guaranteed warmth. When the summer rolls around, all this needs is a pair of sandals and leisurely St Tropez lunches.

Every girl needs a reliable blazer and this printed drapey design will be your saviour for those days where there's a nip in the air but you want to dress for spring. 

Are you suitably swooning? The WSd angels are coveting all of these looks-with such an incredible palette of colors, graphics and prints, there’s a piece for every style. Pop into store to see the full collection!

Rachel x

Make the Boys Wink

So something totally unexpected happened this week…the sun came out. After weeks of being shrouded in mist the first glimmers of daffodils and that oh so sweet scent of hot cross buns means that spring is officially on its way. The refreshing turn of the season brings with it new collections in store and blush pink is a strong feature in the Spring/Summer drop. From rose gold to calypso coral, these sweet shades prove that the once girly colour is all grown up…

The classic collarless coat has been given a spring awakening by Vero Moda thanks to an injection of pastel coral (£50) and this double-breasted, belted beauty will sharpen up any look. A dusty pink coat can work as a neutral and is perfect for showcasing a statement dress underneath.

Another showstopper from the ever-faithful Vero Moda is the Sunset waistcoat (£36). Despite what its name may suggest this super sleek number is perfect for when the sun doesn’t show up to the party thanks to its layering possibilities. Style a la Sarah and ease your way into the new season by working this treasure over your most reliable and trustworthy pal-the roll neck.

This season designers have teamed soft pink with black for a more seductive vibe…50 shades of salmon anyone?! The Vero Moda leisure pants (£30) are not only an easy way to champion sport luxe but they allow you to add a subtle hint of pink if you’re a little afraid of colour. Team with heels to avoid looking like you’re about to break into a jog.

Hudson proves that dusky pink is also the colour du jour of footwear for the season ahead. The Maddie blush leather brogues (£140) add a feminine vibe to an androgynous style. Whether you team these beauts with your fave boyfriend jeans or a tailored work look you’ll rock coffee catch-ups and board meetings alike.

Vero Moda continues to get the pink palette spot on with a collection of ultra chic and feminine knitwear. This shirt back beauty is a fab way to liven up a simple jumper for a more tailored making it perfect for work or play (£36). Fun lace up detail also takes this peach knit (£28) to a whole new level of laid-back cool.

The new Love Stories collection is sitting oh so pretty in store and the Nash bralette will take blush to a more literal level. Metallic star detailing contrasts the delicate pastel rose shade, while the dreamy gossamer lace racer back adds even more sumptuous detail.

Becksöndergaard welcomes us into the new season like an ice old glass of rose on a warm day. We’re lusting after white Ibiza sand at the sight of the Liak Clutch (£65) in the shade ‘Calypso Coral’- with pearls and beads this festive clutch is made for Spanish nights.

This hot colour is considered to be the most positive of shades so whether you need a boost or you’re just lusting after something fresh, pop into WSd HQ to get your dose of  pink power.

Rachel x

An Angel's Surprise

It’s safe to say What Sarah did…knows how to do birthdays and I for one was the subject of some serious birthday pampering thanks to WSd angels Sarah and Maryanne. All I’d been told was that I had to be on the 10:36am train to Kings Cross and there would be fizz involved. Having got on the train one stop before me, Saz and Maz were easy to spot amid the bleary eyed Sunday morning commuters- one blonde beauty in oxblood leather and the other in a Carrie Bradshaw esque net skirt- a breath of fresh air on a grey morning. Oh and the pop of yellow from a Veuve Clicquot label was like a ray of sunshine. With croissants to soak up the fizz, I didn’t think the day could get any more fabulous…oh how wrong I was! 

We arrived at King’s Cross and headed for the nearest café for a much needed brew. Mid cuppa the surprise was revealed…a sumptuous merlot coloured bag was handed to me, etched with those swoon inducing rose gold words ‘Charlotte Tilbury’. OMG…I had an appointment at the flagship store of the ultimate make-up guru for an oh so fabulous make-up consultation.

 Right in the heart of bustling Covent Garden on the prestigious James Street is Charlotte Tilbury’s flagship store. Upstairs is all about fabulously fast make-up- women who know what they want and who are on a contouring mission. Downstairs is where the slower-paced magic happens and as I walked down the sweeping staircase I was transported into an Art Deco underworld of boudoir beauty. We had reached make-up mecca where the extensive amount of framed magazine covers adorning the walls showcase just a snippet of Tilbury’s work as a make-up artist to the stars. Before we knew it, the three of us had a glass of fizz in hand and were like kids in a sweet shop as our eyes darted between vintage trinkets, boudoir style dressing tables, and an elaborate feather centrepiece. We were in heaven.

Lapping up every drop of lavishness I took my seat in a sumptuous velvet chair with a fabulous WSd angel perfectly poised either side of me. My make-up artist for the next hour was the gorgeous Silvia- an Italian beauty with fabulous corkscrew curls. I was handed an I-pad to scroll through shots of Charlotte’s 10 iconic looks and with the help of Saz and Maz I chose ‘The Uptown Girl’ which promised flawless skin, a perfect grey smoky eye and a sumptuous pinky peach lip.  

For the next 60 minutes we sipped fizz, giggled and hung on Silvia’s every word as she performed mesmerising make-up alchemy. I experienced the famous magic cream which flooded my skin with moisture and not only made it feel super plump but even gave me a somewhat dewy glow! The star of the uptown show was the luxury palette- ‘a beautiful quartet of champagne, oyster and smoky grey hues’. I’m a totally neutral kinda gal when it comes to eyes but the sweep of grey took me out of my comfort zone and into my sass zone. I loved the mesmerising combination of shades and the subtle dash of darkness meant this look was perfect for day to night.

With the final slick of ‘Bitch Perfect’ lipstick applied, the hour of pure unadulterated bliss had come to an end but the fun wasn’t over. As part of the makeover I was able to choose products to the equivalent value of the appointment. I was so astounded by their near-on miracle credentials just displayed to me during my makeover that I chose ‘Browlift’ and the ‘Retoucher Concealer’ as my treats of choice.

I walked out of Charlotte Tilbury with my two fabulous friends by my side, ready for the cobbled runway that awaited me. Said runway led us to a cosy corner of All Bar One where fizz was sipped and fish finger wraps were demolished. Bliss.

Birthday wishes really do come true at WSd…!

To book an appointment for your bestie visit www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/covent-garden-store.html

Rachel x